Surfing, swimming and life-saving training programme provided by the Wild Coast Sun in association with the Amadiba Welfare Association

The Amadiba Welfare Association based in uMzamba Mouth ward 24 working in partnership with the Wild Coast Sun Surf and Rescue Training Program, has been working with 32 young people, training and doing drowning prevention and water safety education. The idea is to help young individuals with skills that will equip them with water-related skills that will potentially expose them to job or business opportunities.

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At the inception of the programme, they had thirty-two young people. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, at least thirteen could be going through the examination process and obtaining their certificates which are internationally recognized. Luyanda Gasa, the chairman of the Amadiba Welfare Association, says the Program is for young unemployed youth. It aims at fighting against poverty and youth unemployment.

The wild coast assists the program with making sure that the operational programs of the organisation are not delayed.

Mr. Gasa says because for a long-time swimming and life saving sport has been seen as a white people sport, they have decided to include children so that they can be active participants in swimming and life saving sports. This gives children an opportunity to compete in this sport with confidence because they have been trained.

Screening sessions are done at the hotel main pool and at the beach in the Wild Coast Sun. The organisation works with four facilitators, four safety officers and two moderators. Luyanda says the current challenge is to have at least four facilitators, two moderators and two assessors trained because this will enable the working environment to be more efficient.

The organisation is also in need of basic beach equipment, swimming clothes and uniform for its staff to ensure progress and a professional outlook.